Fans of Coronation Street lothario Lewis Archer will no doubt be pleased to hear that despite recent reports that suggested the character was to have been killed off in a car crash, he won’t in fact be shuffling off the moral coil, nor the show…

And that’s because Nigel Havers – who of course plays the former escort – has just signed a new contract with the soap and will therefore remain on the show until at least 2013.

When reports of Lewis’ demise first hit the soapy headlines, it was believed that the show’s bosses had decided to write Nigel’s character out as he would be performing in panto later this year, and would therefore require extended leave.

However, the Daily Mirror reports today that the soap’s bosses have made contingency plans for Nigel’s temporary exit, and we’ll see him back in the New Year with new storylines…

A show insider told the paper, “Reports of Lewis being killed off were grossly exaggerated.

“The bosses love the way Nigel portrays suave Lewis – and so do the viewers, so it’s great that he is going to be with us well into 2013.

“There will be some fantastic story-lines lined up for him as well to get everyone hooked on his romantic capers once more.”

The Corrie source added, “At the end of the day the bosses love the way Nigel plays Lewis.

“His character is perfect material to string out flattering relationships with the more elderly residents in Weatherfield.

“Everyone knows he has form for charming Audrey and Rita (Barbara Knox) and also Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) so word is he could easily have other lovely ladies in his New Year sights.”

Maybe Lewis and Audrey will get married in the New Year! Would you like to see them tie the knot?